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"Local Actors Thrive, Dittrich Furs Closes, Winter Health Woes, Speed Cameras Coming!"

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"Local Actors Thrive, Dittrich Furs Closes, Winter Health Woes, Speed Cameras Coming!"

"Local Actors Thrive, Dittrich Furs Closes, Winter Health Woes, Speed Cameras Coming!"
Exciting News in Detroit: Local actors shine, iconic furrier closes, health issues, polar vortex, and new speed cameras!

Steve Korbal

Jan 19, 2026

Trivia Question❓

What iconic Motown record label was founded in Detroit in 1959, and became known as the "Sound of Young America"?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Metro Detroit’s film industry is experiencing new energy as the upcoming  TV series ‘Firing Line’ prepares to debut in May, offering a significant spotlight on local talent.

 

Filmed at various locations across the area, each episode had a $50,000 budget and was strongly supported by businesses in Garden City and Westland, highlighting community dedication to creative growth.

 

Firing Line marks a breakthrough for actors like Felicia Hage, originally from Moldova, and Taje Brandon of Ypsilanti, both seizing major career opportunities.

 

Directed by Detroit’s Young Ra and based on a novel by his wife AJ Brown, the series blends local faces with Hollywood names such as JD Williams and Keith Robinson.

 

As the region’s film community rebounds from the loss of tax incentives, series like this aim to give actors valuable experience and help Metro Detroit regain its place in the national spotlight.


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Dittrich Furs, a Detroit icon since 1893, is closing after more than a century in the New Center neighborhood.

 

The fifth-generation owners are retiring, citing a desire to focus on family and health, and are expressing heartfelt thanks for the community’s decades of support.

 

The store is hosting a retirement liquidation sale with major discounts through April 30.

 

Many longtime customers are feeling nostalgic as the beloved furrier prepares to close, recalling memories tied to the store’s lasting presence.

 

Though Dittrich’s closure marks the end of an era, New Center is adapting, with new additions like Mission Cafe, a budding food business incubator, and the  Future of Health initiative driving fresh energy and opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

 

The legacy of Dittrich Furs remains, even as New Center continues to grow and transform with new ventures.


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Big Lake Candy Company LLC is a Metro Detroit original, turning everyday candy into bold, crunchy, can’t-stop-eating treats. Using a unique freeze-drying process, Big Lake Candy transforms classic favorites into light, crispy, flavor-exploding bites that deliver a totally new candy experience. From freeze-dried Skittles and gummy bears to chocolate classics and sour candy hits, every batch is packed with intense taste and that signature crunch people love.

Born and made right here in Southeast Michigan, Big Lake Candy Company is proudly local, focusing on small-batch production, top-quality ingredients, and fun seasonal flavors designed with Detroit candy lovers in mind. You’ll spot Big Lake Candy at Metro Detroit festivals, craft shows, community events, and pop-ups — plus convenient online ordering for easy local pickup and delivery.

Whether you need a unique gift, party snacks, or just something different to satisfy your sweet tooth, Big Lake Candy brings a fresh, hometown twist to your favorite treats.

🍭 Big flavors. Big crunch. Proudly Metro Detroit.

Metro Detroit is experiencing a challenging winter as rising cases of respiratory illnesses combine with weather-related hazards.

 

Influenza infections, driven by both A and B strains, are climbing fast, bringing symptoms like fever and severe fatigue.

 

Local health officials urge residents to prioritize flu vaccinations for greater protection.

 

Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to circulate, mostly causing mild symptoms but still posing significant risks for older adults and those with health conditions.

 

Staying current with booster shots and basic safety habits remains essential.

 

Another concern is RSV, impacting young children and the elderly with potentially severe breathing problems, making it important to watch for signs and seek timely care.

 

Icy conditions have also prompted a surge in slip-and-fall injuries, causing more fractures and sprains than usual.

 

The community is encouraged to use caution outdoors and follow health guidance to reduce both illness and injuries this winter.


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Metro Detroit braces for a sharp temperature drop as a polar vortex brings life-threatening cold to Southeast Michigan.

 

The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory from midnight Monday through noon Wednesday.

 

Wind chills could fall as low as -25°F, making frostbite possible in just 30 minutes on exposed skin.

 

Residents are urged to wear layers, shield exposed skin, and minimize outdoor activity.

 

Pets should be brought indoors and homes kept sufficiently heated.

 

Lake-effect snow is expected, especially near the Lake Michigan shoreline, creating slippery roads and reduced visibility for drivers.

 

Locals should drive carefully, check on vulnerable neighbors, and use community warming shelters if needed.

 

Daytime highs will struggle to reach the teens, with night temperatures plunging below zero as this blast persists.

 

Stay updated with advisories and take all necessary precautions to remain safe during the extreme cold.


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Metro Detroit drivers will soon encounter new speed cameras installed in active construction zones, aiming to increase safety for both motorists and road workers.

 

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)  is starting with about five cameras, planning to expand beyond ten sites by 2026, and will add red light cameras as well.

 

Camera locations will be guided by crash data, equity, and community feedback following a statewide study in summer 2025.

 

Drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 10 mph or more face escalating penalties: a warning for the first offense, $150 fine for the second, and $300 for the third.

 

Opinions on the plan are mixed, with some raising privacy concerns and others valuing increased protection for workers.

 

Each camera zone will be clearly marked, with alerts posted at least one mile ahead.


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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Motown Records
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